Prove It Matters

Prove it matters.

In 1989, world leaders made a historic commitment by adopting almost unanimously the Convention

on the Rights of the Child (CRC), defining who is a child, and confirming their unique rights and

special needs. Despite the nearly universal ratification of the CRC and the tireless efforts of the child

protection community, children continue to be the silent, and often invisible, victims of war,

subjected to unspeakable atrocities. Comparatively, the most recent report of the Secretary-General

on Children and Armed Conflict has shown that 2023, was the most deadly and harmful year for

children caught in situations of armed conflict in the last twenty years. This stark truth demands

urgent action, and the Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict

(OSRSG CAAC) is launching a new global campaign entitles 'Prove It Matters'.

This campaign aims for children to become the advocate of their own rights and elevate their voices.

It also aims at reigniting the global consensus on child protection which first brought the CRC to life,

and mobilize Member States to take concrete action to protect and promote children’s rights, even

in the most challenging times and contexts of armed conflict. The campaign will be articulated

around two calls to action:

To Member States

Especially those on the Children and Armed

Conflict agenda, to publicly pledge their

commitment to the CRC and take

immediate, concrete measures to safeguard

children’s rights to life, health, education, and to a

safe future. The website dedicated to

the campaign highlights countries that have shared their recommitments (www.proveitmattersnow.com)

To children worldwide

Particularly those affected by conflict, to participate

in a child participatory initiative symbolized by the

dissemination of messages of peace in and

through origami doves that they will create and

share with my Office. An art piece will be created

with all the origami doves collected and will be

displayed at the United Nations in New York in the

second year of the campaign. This activity aims at

engaging children creatively in a global movement

but also at initiating discussions with children, about

peace and about their rights. An info pack dedicated for this activity is available on the website dedicated to the campaign.

This campaign is being implemented with a wide range of partners from UN agencies and Civil Society Organizations and is supported by Champions.